“Merchants went into the holiday season feeling hopeful that sales would be strong,” said Retail Council President and Chief Executive Officer James Sherin. “They got a taste of what this season may hold in store for them over Black Friday weekend and are generally pleased with the results.”

Retailers throughout the state reported on their Black Friday weekend sales through the council’s annual “Holiday Sales Watch,” a periodic snapshot of sales activity in stores small and large between the end of November and early January.